FIREFIGHTERS tackle a large fire in Edinburgh as smoke billows through the city.
Six fire engines and firefighters, equipped with powerful water jets, were called out to the OX184 bar, in the Cowgate area of the capital, just before 3pm (MON).
Witnesses said staff within the building were “visibily shaken” but there have been no reports of anyone injured in the blaze.
Pictures of the fire captured billows of smoke coming from the three story building.
Firecrews and their apparatuses blocked the street off as they tackled the growing blaze.
Oliver Wain, who lives in the area and took a series of pictures, said: “Staff were visibly shocked and shaken, I asked whether they were all ok and they said everyone had got out.
“They had first attempted to stop the fire but quickly abandoned the attempt.
“The fire staff were concerned for folk in the buildings above.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that they were in attendance.
A spokesman for the SFRS said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 2.50pm on Monday, 8 January to reports of a fire in Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliance to the fire involving a three storey building in the City’s Cowgate.
“Firefighters are using powerful water jets to tackle the fire.”
Last month marked the 15th anniversary of the Cowgate fire of December 7 2002.
A single spark from a faulty fuse box that would leave a “gaping wound in the heart of Edinburgh” as ferocious flames spread to several properties on the Cowgate in less than two hours.
Within four hours, the fire spread and it took fire crews 52 hours to fully extinguish the flames within the tightly packed streets.
Businesses such as nightclub La Belle Angele and comedy venue Gilded Balloon were destroyed in the blaze, as well as Edinburgh University’s School of Informatics.
Social media users were quick to respond to news of the blaze.
Mike posted a photograph of firefighters tackling the blaze with the caption: “That’s unfortunate. Hope all @ox_184 are fine.”
The club replied: “All staff ok – out in plenty of time – no updates – closed till further notice.”
User Murray94Brad said: “Sent home early from work because of the fire on the Cowgate next door to our building, seven fire engines and all sorts.”
Jonathan Football added: “Cowgate is cursed by fire. Ox 184 is alright, don’t love it, but it’s fine. Definitely a good work drinks venue.”
Whistle stop Edinburgh commented: “Hope everyone at Cowgate and Ox184 is safe.”
